DianeW777
Expert Alumni

After you file

The earned income for 2019, if you choose to use this for the earned income tax credit (EITC), as stated previously will be the earned income that belonged to you on that return. 

 

IRS Publication 596 describes the earned income to use if you are filing jointly this year by combining earned income for each of you from the separate 2019 tax returns.  This is the reverse of your situation. Without explicit language in the 2020 publication, the reverse would be to use your own earned income from the previous year. 

 

If you meet all the qualifications to use the Head of Household status, then under the tax law you are 'considered unmarried'.  

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